On the western outskirts of Kyoto, Japan is the famous and highly visited district of Arashiyama. Arashiyama is a beautiful part of Kyoto renowned for the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji Temple, Monkey Park, and streets lined with traditional shops and restaurants. This charming district of Kyoto offers visitors a little bit of everything when it comes to traditional Japan and is a perfect blend of culture, nature, and history. My Arashiyama itinerary hits all the must see highlights so you can make the most out of your full day in Arashiyama.  ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Summary Why Visit Arashiyama: Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most popular districts. Arashiyama is home to the famous Bamboo Forest and UNESCO World Heritage temples.  Top Things to do in Arashiyama: Walk the Bamboo Forest. Visit Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. Discover lesser-known temples in Kyoto.   Take the hassle out of figuring everything out on your own and consider booking a Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour  or try a Rickshaw Tour through the Bamboo Forest. Information About Arashiyama Arashiyama is a district in Kyoto located in the north western portion of the city. Arashiyama is wedged at the base of the mountains and the Katsura River.  Arashiyama was a popular destination during Japan’s Heian Period (794 – 1185) and to this day remains one of Kyoto’s most visited destinations.  Most visitors plan to come to Arashiyama for the famous bamboo forest but then realize there is so much more to do and see in Arashiyama.  How to Get to Arashiyama There are many ways to get to Arashiyama. You can take a taxi, get here by bike (which I’ve done before from Kyoto Station), hop on a local bus, or take the recommended trains.   If visiting Arashiyama by train, there are various lines that stop at different stations in and around Arashiyama.  If departing from Kyoto Station, take the San’in Line. It’s direct and takes nearly 20 minutes. The fare is ¥240. If departing from Shijoomiya Station, take the Randen Arashiyama Line directly to Arashiyama Station. The fare is ¥250. From central Kyoto, say Karasuma Station, you can take the Hankyu Line to Katsura Station and then to Arashiyama Station. I prefer this route if staying in central Kyoto or if visiting Kyoto’s Monkey Park. 📸 Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Arashiyama Tours If visiting Kyoto and the Arashiyama area for the first time, I think tours can be a great way to experience and learn more about the area. Sometimes, I like to book tours that way I don’t have to do the planning and I usually learn a lot more from a legit tour guide then if I were to go alone. I like to book in advance through either Get Your Guide or Viator.  Here is a list of some of the tours offered for the Arashiyama area.  Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Matcha, Monkeys, & secrets Kyoto: Arashiyama Customized Rickshaw Tour & Bamboo Forest Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour Arashiyama Itinerary – Must Visit Places and Things to Do The Arashiyama District is a must when visiting Kyoto. Many visitors come for a half day to check off the bamboo forest and maybe do some shopping. But if you really want to see what Arashiyama has to offer, I recommend spending a full day in Arashiyama. I’ve been to Arashiyama at least three times now. I hope this Arashiyama itinerary is helpful to make the most out of your trip. Below are my recommendations and places to see during your visit to Arashiyama. Grab a Snack or Ice Cream at Arashiyama Station Arashiyama Station is always a popular place. Every time I am here, it is crowded. For good reason, there are shops here, food stalls, clean toilets, and places to rest.  If you don’t want to sit down at a restaurant, I recommend grabbing a snack here from one of the food vendors. You can find matcha related items or savory treats like delicious pork buns. My biggest recommendation here is to try the Cremia ice cream. It’s sold at the same stand that sells pork buns and is literally some of the best and richest ice cream I’ve ever had.  Souvenir Shopping on the Main Street Some of Kyoto’s best souvenir shops are found in Arashiyama along the main shopping street between Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Forest.  You can find everything along this strip of road from custom chopsticks and touristy knick-knacks to food items and stuff worthy enough to send home.  There is this amazing store in Arashiyama that sells a special furikake. Furikake is a mix in for rice. Furikake makes for a great gift!  Cross the Togetsukyo Bridge for Beautiful Views Crossing the Togetsukyo Bridge is a must, if anything just to get great views of the Arashiyama area. Be warned, Togetsukyo Bridge can be very crowded and vehicles do drive on it.  See and Feed Japanese Macaques at Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama If you are interested in wildlife and nature then I highly recommend visiting  Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. It is recommended to visit the monkey park in the morning as it can get quite hot and crowds can be overwhelming. Thankfully, the park opens at 9:00 am.  Kyoto’s monkey park is at the top of the hill, it takes about 20-30 minutes to walk. Once at the top, you will be greeted by cute and curious Japanese Macaques.  There is a facility here that sells food to fee the monkeys, visitors can feed them from within the building. Otherwise, the park is small, so you can just walk around and take photos of the monkeys and enjoy their company. For more information and to learn about the macaques, I have a post on Visiting Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama.  📸 Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Visit Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji is the main temple in Arashiyama and is a must when in the area. Tenryu-ji is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.  According to information at the temple, Tenryu-ji was originally built in the year 1255 and converted to a Zen temple in 1339.  The temple itself is a masterpiece, but there is a spectacular garden that wraps around the temple. The garden has a large pond, rock formations, and a dry landscape.  The exit to the garden links directly to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.  Walk Arashiyama Bamboo Forest The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is easily the most popular attraction in Arashiyama and one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions. Although I don’t like crowds, I still have to include the Bamboo Forest to my Arashiyama itinerary, because it is a site to see.  The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is not that big and can be seen in 30 minutes or less. Most people come here for photos, you can even rent a kimono for photos at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. I can’t lie, the bamboo forest is amazing and well kept. Depending on the time of day, it gets painfully crowded. But if you go early in the day or later the crowds tend to be minimal.  Don’t Miss Out on Okochi Sanso, A Beautiful Mountain Retreat At the end of the bamboo forest is the entrance to Okochi Sanso. It took me two times of visiting the bamboo forest to convince myself to visit Okochi Sanso, but I am glad I visited this attractions and wish I went sooner. Okochi Sanso is a mountainous area that used to be the estate of Okochi Denjiro who was a famous actor.  The reason I recommend visiting Okochi Sanso is because of the sheer beauty of this place. It’s more of a Japanese-style garden with traditional structures and a tea house. You can take your time here, relax, go on a leisure stroll, and enjoy green tea.  Stop at a Traditional Restaurant for a True Japanese Meal The main shopping street in Arashiyama is lined with great restaurants. Just because it is a touristy area does not mean you get the tourist prices and food. You can find cheap and authentic meals here.  You can find all your favorite Japanese meals here from soba noodles to tonkatsu. Not to mention there are cute cafes tucked away all over Arashiyama.  Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Secret Bamboo Forest I have a post dedicated to lesser known temples in Kyoto and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is one of them.  Within walking distance from Kyoto’s bamboo forest is one of the most surprising temples in Kyoto, Adashino Nembutsu-ji.  Two reasons why I highly recommend visiting this temple. One, there are 8,000 Buddha statues and two there is a bamboo forest here that is in my opinion superior to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest mainly because it is less crowded and has a similar atmosphere.  See the 1,200 Stone Statues at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple One of the more unique temples in Kyoto and not a far walk from Adashino Nenbutsu-ji temple is Otagi Nenbutsu-ji temple. This temple is also included in my  lesser known temples in Kyoto post, in case you are interested in learning more. What makes Otagi Nenbutsu-ji unique and a must visit are the 1,200 rakan moss covered stone statues. Each rakan has a different expression, some are serious while others are more comical.  Conclusion My full day Arashiyama itinerary covers the must do sites and attractions in this district of Kyoto. Obviously, pick and choose what sites and temples you want to see based on your schedule and time. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and a visit to Tenryu-ji are a must if you are on a tight schedule but it is recommended to spend a day in Arashiyama to fully explore the area.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

Nara Park is a unique city park located in the city of Nara, Japan. This picturesque park offers visitors an opportunity to get close to and see the famous bowing deer while immersing themselves in the rich history of ancient Nara. Nara Park is home to thousands of deer as well as shrines and temples that date back hundreds of years. A day in Nara is a must, especially if staying in nearby Kyoto or Osaka. This post is ideal for those wanting to spend a day in Nara and highlights all my recommended places to see and how to make the most out of your visit to Nara Park.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! About Nara Park Nara Park is by far the most popular attraction and most visited area in Nara. For good reason, Nara Park is home to the famous bowing deer as well as many of the shrines and temples to include Tōdai-ji. If you only have a day in Nara, I highly recommend making Nara Park your main attraction. You can spend all day here, but for those traveling from places like Kyoto, a half day is sufficient enough to see some temples and feed crackers to the deer.  Nara Park covers about 66 hectares or 1,600 acres and was established in 1880. There are a total of 8 sites within Nara Park that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.  Nara Park is free to enter, but many some of the temples and museums do charge an entrance fee.  Getting to Nara Park from Nara Station In my Travel to Nara post, I detailed information on getting to Nara from Kyoto or Osaka by train.  Once you arrive at Nara Station, Nara Park is still about a 15-20 minute walk away or a 5 minute bus ride.  The few times I’ve traveled to Nara, I opted to walk directly to Nara Park from Nara Station. Walk down the main road (Sanjo Dori St) in the opposite direction of Nara Station toward Nara Park. Sanjo Dori St is a hopping place full of fun shops and restaurants. I do recommend browsing the shops and taking your time along this road and the covered pedestrian streets, but first, Nara Park.  Following Sanjo Dori St will lead you directly into Nara Park. From here, you can walk around or relax at Sarusawa-ike Pond, continue straight, or take a left up the stairs and visit Kofu-ji Nan-endo and the Kofuku-ji Pagoda.  The Deer at Nara Park The deer at Nara Park are one of the main attractions. Every tourist that visits Nara Park always talks about the deer, they are definitely the stars of the show here. Within Nara Park, there are around 1,400 wild deer that roam the grounds. These deer although cute are still wild and deserve respect. They are sacred after all and considered a national treasure. The deer are scattered all throughout Nara Park, so don’t let the first few deer fool you into thinking you need to capture photos or feed them right away. Trust me, they are everywhere. The deer in Nara Park can freely walk the park and are often times unfazed by us humans or even traffic going through Nara Park.  There are opportunities to feed the deer. Please only feed them with crackers sold throughout the park. Shika Senbei is a type of rice bran cracker sold within Nara Park.  Besides being a national treasure and if the deer in Nara couldn’t be any cooler, they are known to politely bow for their treats. So next time, you visit Nara and want to feed the deer, make sure they lower their heads and bow to you in order to receive that delicious treat.  Must Visit Sites in Nara Park If you only have a day in Nara Park, I recommend at least visiting the sites below. These are my favorite recommendations and sites I take victors to every time for a great experience.  Srusawa-ike Pond If you decide to walk Sanjo Dori St from Nara Station to Nara Park, you will find yourself at Sarusawa-ike Pond.  I recommend Sarusawa-ike Pond just to take a quick breather, figure out how you want to tackle Nara Park, and take in the beautiful scenery of the pond surrounded by historical buildings.  Kofuku-ji Complex After visiting Srusawa-ike Pond, I recommend going left up the stairs to the Kofuku-ji Complex which is home to a beautiful Five-storied Pagoda, Kofuku-ji Nan-endo, and Kofuku-ji Chukondo.  Tōdai-ji Tōdai-ji is the most famous Buddhist temple in Nara and one of Japan’s grandest. Tōdai-ji is home to the Daibutsuden or Great Buddha Hall.  The Great Buddha Hall in Nara houses the Great Buddha Vairocana Buddha. Vairocana Buddha is 15 meters tall. The Great Buddha Hall in Nara is considered to be the largest wooden structure in the world, it is a site to see!  For more information about Tōdai-ji, I have a whole post dedicated to visiting Tōdai-ji. Kasuga-Taisha Another important shrine in Nara is Kasuga-Taisha. This shrine is dedicated to the deity that is responsible for Nara’s protection. Visiting Kasuga-Taisha does take some walking as it is the furthest shrine from the park entrance. But the walk is gorgeous and well worth the effort.  The moss covered Toro or lanterns line the path leading to the shrine. Kasuga-Taisha is beautifully painted white and orange and is full of hundreds of golden lanterns.  Ukimido My day in Nara Park starts at Sarusawa-Ike Pond and kind of ends at another pond, but the main attraction here is Ukimido, a beautiful gazebo.  Ukimido sits beautifully above the water. There are benches inside the gazebo, so it makes for a perfect place to rest.  There is a boat rental here in case you want to do more then just relax and take in the beautiful sites.  Conclusion Nara and especially Nara Park is one of my favorite places to visit in Japan. Nara Park is a unique and beautiful destination that offers visitors a chance to interact with the famous bowing deer, explore the ancient temples and shrines, and see beautiful nature. If you want that Instagram photos with the deer in Nara or are a history buff and want to see Todai-ji and the Great Buddha then a day in Nara Park will definitely leave a lasting impression.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

Do you have a long layover at Narita Airport? Or have a hotel near Narita Airport and want to experience a historical and authentic temple in Japan? I recommend a visit Naritasan Shinshō-ji. Naritasan Shinshō-ji is a stunning temple complex with a beautiful garden and the perfect destination for those that are passing through Narita. Forget staying at Narita Airport during a long layover. Head out to Naritasan Shinshō-ji for a peaceful respite.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Long Layover at Narita Airport If you have a long layover at Narita Airport and want to get out and explore some of what Japan has to offer, then I recommend taking the JR Line to Narita Station or Keisei Main Line Express to Keisei-Narita to visit Naritasan Shinshō-ji and Omote-sando.  It’s about a 12 – 15 minute train ride from Narita Airport to Narita Station. From Narita Station it is about a 15 minute walk to Naritasan Shinshō-ji. Prior to reaching Naritasan Shinshō-ji, there is a shopping street called Omote-sando. This shopping street is lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and other shops selling local goods and Japanese items.  It is only recommended to leave Narita Airport during a long layover if you have at least 3 – 4 hours. Take into account, the time it takes to leave the airport, purchase train tickets, finding the correct platform, and getting back to the airport and security in time.  Getting to Naritasan Shinshō-ji Temple from Narita Airport Getting to Naritasan Shinshō-ji and Omote-sando from Narita Airport is fairly easy and stress free.  Taking a train from Narita Airport is the cheapest way to get to Naritasan Shinshō-ji. But visitors can also take a taxi if you feel it’s necessary.  From Terminal 1, 2, or 3, you can take the JR Narita Line Rapid. This train ride is roughly 12 minutes to Narita Station.  Visitors can also take the Keisei Main Line Express to Keisei-Narita. This train takes about 10 – 12 minutes.  Both stations are located in Narita City and are across from one another, so it really does not matter which station you end up on. I’d recommend going with either option that works best for your schedule.  From either Narita Station or Keisei-Narita it is about a 15 – 20 minute walk to Naritasan Shinshō-ji.  Omote-sando One of the benefits of visiting Naritasan Shinshō-ji during a long layover from Narita Airport is shopping for souvenirs and trying local Japanese food at Omote-sando.  This 800-meter long road is a historical road that dates back to the Edo period and connects Narita Station to Naritasan Shinshō-ji.  Earlier in the day when the shops begin to open Omote-sando is not as touristy but as the day progresses, it gets crowded, just keep that in mind. Many of the shops sell local goods like chop sticks, masks, and antiques. This is a perfect place to come to if you are just passing through Narita or staying nearby to catch an early flight. You can get all your souvenirs here.  Another item on the list for visiting Omote-sando is trying fresh unagi or grilled eel. Unagi is a specialty in the area. You can’t leave without trying unagi at one of the local restaurants.  Naritasan Shinshō-ji Naritasan Shinshō-ji or just Narita Temple is the largest and most beautiful temple that is within a quick train ride from Narita Airport. Naritasan Shinshō-ji has a history dating back to over 1,000 years. Today there are buildings around the temple complex that vary in age dating back a couple hundred years.  You could spend hours walking Naritasan Shinshō-ji. There is a beautiful Main Gate, decorative three-story pagoda, and main hall. Don’t forget to walk around the back to see the impressive Great Pagoda of Peace.  One of the hidden gems of Naritasan Shinshō-ji is Naritasan Park. This park, like the temple is free to visit and is a beautiful Japanese and Western style garden.  Naritasan Park is made up of several walking trails, ponds, and beautiful structures. If you really want to escape Narita Airport and relax, then Naritasan Park is the best place for a peaceful respite.  Conclusion A visit to Naritasan Shinshō-ji from Narita Airport or Narita City is as easy as a quick train ride away. If you have a longer layover at Narita and are itching to escape the airport to see a truly beautiful temple and area in Japan, then making your way to Naritasan Shinshō-ji is the perfect opportunity. The historical Omote-sando street is filled with shops to buy fun Japanese souvenirs. Then head over to Naritasan Shinshō-ji which is a massive temple complex with a beautiful garden. You could spend hours here. Just make sure you leave yourself with plenty of time to make it back to Narita Airport.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

Located in the mountainous Prefecture of Tochigi, Nikko is a picturesque town known for it’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shinkyo, Nikko National Park, and authentic Ryokan hotels. For a town of its size, there is no shortage of things to do in Nikko. Nikko is a popular day trip from  Tokyo, but it is recommended to stay at least two days to get a feel for the town and take in the sites. This post shares my recommended things to do in Nikko to include where I stayed and can’t miss attractions.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is Nikko and How to Get Here Nikko is in Tochigi Prefecture, just to the north of Tokyo. Tochigi is a landlocked and mountainous prefecture known for Nikko National Park and Tosho-gu, the famous golden shrine.  A Nikko day trip from Tokyo or other northern cities is possible although not highly recommended, at least by me. I feel Nikko has plenty of things to do and see to keep anyone busy for a few days.  There are many train options to get to Nikko from Tokyo. Train travel to Nikko is possible by The Tobu Nikko Line, JR trains, or a combination of the two.  There are three passes, the All Area Nikko Pass, World Heritage Area Nikko Pass, and Kinugawa Theme park Pass, that allow unlimited access to trains to Shimo-Imaichi to Tobu-Nikko and Kinugawa Station from Tobu-Asakusa.  The three passes can be purchased at the Tourist Information Center at Asakusa Station.  Of course if you have the Japan Rail Pass, you need to take the JR lines.  Instead of taking the train to Nikko, I actually rented a car through Rentalcars.com and picked up and dropped off the car near Narita Airport.  The drive time from Narita to Nikko was about 2.5 hours. Of course, I turned it into a road trip and stopped at other recommended attractions like the Ushiku Daibutsu (Japan’s tallest Buddha statue) and Kairaku-en, one of Japan’s top three gardens. Top Things to do in Nikko If you are traveling to Nikko from Tokyo or any other place really, it will be a jam packed day. Although Nikko is a smaller mountain town, there is an abundance of things to do and see in and around Nikko. I spent almost three days in Nikko and already have plans to go back. I hear the fall season in Nikko is spectacular.  I visited Nikko in late March and Early April. I didn’t know what to expect but I was surprised there was still snow in Nikko at the time.  After spending nearly three days in Nikko, I managed to hit all the main attractions and scoped out places I think others would really enjoy. Here is a list of my recommendations and top things to do and see in Nikko.  1. Drive Around Nikko National Park Most people who visit Nikko probably visit Nikko’s temple area for the day before heading back to the train station.  One of the highlights and reasons for visiting Nikko at least for me, was to drive through Nikko National Park.  From Nikko, take Route 120 directly to the park passing by very curvy and steep mountain roads.  While in Nikko National Park, you can drive by the beautiful Lake Chunzenji and get incredible views of Mt. Nantai.  Depending on the type of adventure you are looking for while in Nikko, I’d recommend at least a brief stop at Senjogahara Grassy Plain. This is a scenic march area that has observation decks, boardwalks, and kilometers of trails. The day I visited, the ground was snow covered, so I didn’t get a chance to hike here much.  I’d also recommend stopping by at least one waterfall in Nikko National Park. A few of the famous waterfalls within the park include Kegon Falls, Ryuzu Falls, and Yudaki Falls. Yudaki Falls was definitely my favorite. One of the most memorable experiences while driving through Nikko National Park was seeing the wild Japanese Macaques. Especially close to the evening hours, they seemed to be everywhere, from parks to parking lots.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   2. Explore the Temple Area: Toshogu, Rinnoji, and Futarasan Besides the beautiful nature in Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko’s Temple Area is what puts Nikko on the map and the reason why this area gets so many visitors.  The temple area in Nikko consists of three temple complexes, all within walking distance from one another. The three temples include Toshogu, Rinnoji, and Futarasan.  Unfortunately, all three temples charge an admission price so you have to pay to visit each one. Toshogu Shrine Easily one of the most beautiful shrines in Japan is Toshogu. The shrine was constructed as a memorial to the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu.  The dozens of buildings at Toshogu Shrine were constructed in 1634 by Tokugawa Ieyasu’s grandson.  Many of the buildings within Toshogu Shrine are covered in gold leaf.  When walking around Toshogu Shrine, visitors will notice the five story pagoda near the entrance and ticket booth.  Don’t miss the famous Three Wise Monkeys who “hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil.” You can’t miss it, just look for the crowd of people standing in front of the famous monkey carvings.  Like the Three Wise Monkeys, you have to see the “Sleeping Cat.” The Sleeping Cat is located on the gate that leads to the Tokugawa Ieyasu Mausoleum.  Admission and Hours AdmissionAdults – ¥1300Children – ¥450 Hours9:00 – 17:00 (April to October) and 9:00 – 16:00 (November to March) Rinnoji Rinnoji Temple, was just as impressive as Toshogu Shrine but in a completely different way. The complex was smaller but visitors can access the interior of Rinnoji to see the three Buddha statues here.  According to the Nikko Official Guide, the three Buddha statues include the eight meter tall thousand armed Buddha of Mt. Nantai, the Amida Buddha of Mt. Nyoho, and the Horse headed Buddha of Mt. Taro.  Photos are not allowed inside Rinnoji Temple.  Included with Rinnoji is Shoyoen Garden, a peaceful Japanese Garden with a pond, walking paths, and seasonal plants and trees.  Admission and Hours AdmissionSanbutsudo Hall – ¥400Treasure House and Shoyoen Garden – ¥300 Hours8:00 – 17:00 Futarasan Shrine Futarasan Shrine, is the oldest shrine in Nikko. It was founded in 766 by the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin and is dedicated to Mt. Nantai, Mt. Nyoho, and Mt. Taro.  Admission and Hours Admission¥300 Hours8:00 – 17:00 (April to October)9:00 – 16:00 (November to March) 3. Don’t forget to visit the Other Shrines and Temples There are more shrines in Nikko that have nothing to do with the Temple Area yet are well worth a quick visit.  Across the street from shinkyō bridge, up a few stone stairs, hidden in the woods, is Hongu Shrine. Considered to be one of the oldest shrines in Nikko, Hongu Shrine was also founded by the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin.  If you walk around Nikko, you will spot other temples along the hillside.  4. Take Photos of the Shinkyō Bridge (Red Bridge) A Symbol of Nikko, the Shinkyō Bridge, is a red bridge beautifully constructed over the Daiya River. This highly photographed bridge in Nikko is iconic and a must visit attraction. Visitors can get photos of the Shinkyō Bridge from the sidewalk at no cost. But if you wish to get closer and even walk on the bridge, there is a ¥350 charge. I don’t think it’s necessary. Photos from the sidewalk should suffice.  5. Visit the Tamozawa Imperial Villa A surprising attraction in Nikko was visiting the Tamozawa Imperial Villa and Gardens.  According to information at the villa, the Tamozawa Imperial Villa was built in 1899 for Prince Yoshihito and was used by three emperors until 1947. The imperial families used this villa as a retreat during the summer and winter months. The Tamozawa Imperial Villa is huge, at 23,000 m². There are a total of 106 rooms and a beautiful Japanese Garden behind the villa that is a must. The garden has a 400 year old weeping cherry blossom tree.  Admission and Hours AdmissionAdults – ¥600Children – ¥300 Hours9:00 – 17:00 (April to October)9:00 – 16:30 (November to March) 6. Walk the Kanmangafuchi Abyss About a 15-20 minute walk from the Tamozawa Imperial Villa is the Kanmangafuchi Abyss.  This is a scenic gorge with a beautiful raging river but the most notable feature are the Jizo Statues lining the side of the trail.  The sign at the trail entrance states that these Jizo Statues are Boddhisatva Jizo, which is the guardian deity of children. Most of the statues carry a Red Hat and Bib. In 1902, the Kanman Gorge flooded and damaged many of the statues some left as a pile of rubble.  7. Sample Local Beer, especially at Murmur Biiru Stand Nikko was my kind of place. I loved the shrines, the nature, food, and I found great craft beer in Nikko. It didn’t strike me as a beer destination, but I found liquor stores with local craft beers and stumbled upon an amazing craft beer stand called Murmur Biiru Stand, honestly one of the best craft beer places I’ve discovered in Japan. Murmur Biiru Stand was a tiny beer stand in town. The day I was there, a single brewer was working and they had four beers on tap. The Coffee Stout and Cinnamon Brown Ale were phenomenal.  8. Stay at a Ryokan Guesthouse If you are traveling around Japan and want to try staying at a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), Nikko is a great place as there are many Ryokans and authentic Japanese hotels.  There are so many Ryokans in Nikko, it was hard to choose, I went with one that was close to the temple area and budget friendly. I ended up booking a few nights at the Nikko Tokanso Hotel. I booked the Nikko Tokanso Hotel through Agoda. The Nikko Tokanso Hotel blew my expectations as well as everyone else in my party. It was a highlight of the whole trip and a positive memory.  Nikko Tokanso Hotel was a traditional Ryokan with an onsen (hot spring or hot bath), rooms with tatami mats, and comfortable futon mattresses.  Although everything was incredible, the food was the most impressive. We booked the hotel with breakfast and dinner each night and both meals were elaborate, unique, and delicious! Each meal was different each day. We tried everything from shabu-shabu and sukiyaki to grilled chicken and Nikko’s famous Yuba. Yuba is the skin that is left over from soy milk when boiled.  If you are looking for a recommended Ryokan in the Nikko area close to the shrine and within walking distance to town, I highly recommend the Nikko Tokanso Hotel. Nikko Day Tours: Get the Most out of Your Time in Nikko I always love day tours whenever I travel somewhere new. The guides are usually local and know the area well, so I end up learning more then I ever would had I gone myself.  Now a days, when I visit a new destination, I look at sites like Viator or Get Your Guide.  Below are a few tours offered that provide half day or full day tours of Nikko. These tours will take you to places like the Nikko Shrine Area, Nikko National Park, and other exciting destinations within Nikko.  Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide Full Day Private Tour & Sightseeing to Nikko (English Speaking Driver) From Tkyo: Private Nikko World Heritage Sight Day Trip Tokyo: Nikko Toshogu Shine and Kegon Waterfall Tour Conclusion Nikko remains one of my favorite places to visit in Japan. From spending a day at the temple area seeing Tosho-gu,

Japan is renowned for its gardens that blend a perfect setting of nature, relaxation, and tranquility. There are hundreds if not thousands of Japanese gardens throughout the country. But there are three must-visit gardens in Japan that are considered the most famous. The three Great Gardens of Japan include Kairaku-en in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Kenroki-en in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Koraku-en in Okayama, Okayama Prefecture.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Three Great Gardens of Japan The Three Great Gardens of Japan are said to be the most beautiful and impressive gardens in all of Japan. These gardens have a historical background, dating back to the Edo Period.  Massive, diverse, unique, traditional, and sometimes minimalistic best describes Japan’s Three Great Gardens.  The Three Great Gardens of Japan include Kairaku-en in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Kenroki-en, in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Koraku-en, in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture.  Kairaku-en Kairaku-en, one of Japan’s three famous gardens is located in the city of Mito, in Ibaraki Prefecture.  Kairaku-en has been around since 1842. According to information at the site, Kairaku-en started off as a gardening project by Nariaki Tokugawa, the ninth feudal lord of the Mito Clan. Originally Kairaku-en was built for feudal lords, warriors, and even commoners.  Today, visitors can walk the park and enjoy the beautiful cherry or plum blossoms when in season, enter Kodokan, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Kairaku-en. I visited in the off season and the cherry blossoms were not in bloom. It is supposed to be a spectacular site with hundreds of trees in bloom. My favorite highlight of Kairaku-en was the bamboo trees.  Admission and Hours Admission Kairaku-en Park Adults – ¥300Students – ¥150 KodokanAdults – ¥400Students – ¥200 Hours Kairaku-en ParkOpen Daily6:00 – 19:00 KodokanClosed 12/29 – 12/319:00 – 17:00 Kenroku-en Located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture is the beautiful and honestly my favorite of the three gardens, Kenroku-en.  Kenroku-en used to be the gardens attached to the famous Kanazawa Castle. Kenroku-en is hundreds of years old and was owned by the Maeda Clan until the 1840’s. In 1870, Kenroku-en was open to visitors. Kenroku-en is my favorite garden for several reasons. This one actually feels like a traditional Japanese garden. There are various parts to the garden, with gorgeous open ponds, small streams, tea houses, and spectacular old trees that are worshipped and full of supports.  It is recommended to visit a tea house while at Kenroku-en. The setting is phenomenal and the green tea makes for a traditional Japanese experience.  Admission and Hours Admission Admission for Kenroku-en is ¥320 Hours Open Daily7:00 – 18:00 (March to October 15)8:00 – 17:00 (October 16 to February) Koraku-en The final Great Garden of Japan is Koraku-en. Koraku-en is in the city of Okayama in Okayama Prefecture.  Koraku-en was built by Ikeda Tsunamasa, the lord of Okayama at the time in 1700. The garden was created as a place to really relax and unwind.  Koraku-en is most famous for its rolling hills, ponds, and tea houses covering a total of 133,000 square meters.  Koraku-en is in a beautiful location, right behind Okayama Castle. The castle is perched on a hill and can be seen from the garden. There are many lantern festivals that take place here, so it’s great to visit at night.  Make sure to visit the Okayama Korakuen Garden website for a list of events and additional information.  Admission and Hours Admission Individual Ticket – ¥410Combined Ticket that includes Okayama Castle – ¥640 Hours Open Daily7:30 – 18:00 (March 20 to September 30)8:00 to 17:00 (October 1 to March 19) Conclusion The Three Great Gardens of Japan, Kairaku-en, Kenroki-en, and Koraku-en are impressive Japanese gardens that are well worth visiting. Each garden is unique in its own way and very different meaning visiting each garden a must! These three gardens differ from your traditional Japanese gardens because of their size, historical backgrounds, uniqueness, and variety. The cherry blossoms of Kairaku-en, the beautiful water landscapes of Kenroki-en, and the gorgeous landscapes found at Koraku-en, make the Three Great Gardens of Japan truly incredible.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

The Ushiku Daibutsu, also known as the Great Buddha of Ushiku, is a Buddha statue located in Ushiku, Japan. Standing at 120 meters tall, Ushiku Daibutsu is the tallest statue in Japan and one of the worlds tallest Buddha statues. If you wish to visit Ushiku Daibutsu, it’s an easy day trip from Tokyo. Visitors can relax in the beautiful park surrounding the statue and can even venture inside Ushiku Daibutsu. This post is all about Japan’s tallest Buddha statue. Find out how to get here and what to expect when visiting Ushiku Daibutsu.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Facts About Ushiku Daibutsu Ushiku Daibutsu was completed in 1993. Ushiku Daibutsu stands 120 meters (390 ft) tall.  This statue is considered to be the 5th tallest statue in the world. Ushiku Daibutsu is the tallest statue in Japan. Visitors can access the inside of Ushiku Daibutsu. In fact, there is an elevator that goes to the observation deck 85m (279 ft) high.  The total weight of Ushiku Daibutsu is 4,003 tons (8,825,000 lbs.). The statue is made of bronze. Inside Ushiku Daibutsu there is an impressive room with 3,400 smaller statues of Buddha.  Visiting Ushiku Daibutsu Admission and Hours Admission Adults ¥800 for Garden and Ushiku Daibutsu¥500 for Garden Only Children¥400 for Garden and Ushiku Daibutsu¥300 for Garden Only Hours 9:30 – 17:00 Weekdays (March to September) 9:30 – 16:30 (October to February) 9:30 – 17:30 Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays (March to September) 9:30 – 16:30 (October to February) Admission and Hours are based on the Ushiku Daibutsu website. Surrounding Park and Garden The park and garden leading up to and surrounding Ushiku Daibutsu is a must. Various flowers and plants bloom throughout the year.  The hillside surrounding the pond, depending on when you go is covered in beautiful purple flowers. This is also a prime cherry blossom spot.  My favorite place in the park was the pond filled with carp. You can feed the carp, they come right up to the shore.  Interior of Ushiku Daibutsu It is possible and highly recommended to visit the inside of Ushiku Daibutsu. For a ¥800 entrance fee, visitors can explore the beautiful grounds and access the inside of Ushiku Daibutsu.  five floors within Ushiku Daibutsu can be explored by visitors. The first couple floors provide information about the size of Ushiku Daibutsu and the construction. Of course there are gift shops inside as well.  After passing by the exhibits, you can access an elevator that takes you to the 5th floor at 85 meters high. On the 5th floor, there are thin slits of windows to look out of. You can truly see how tall this statue really is as the people below are barely recognizable.  One of my favorite floors was the 3rd floor. Here is where you can find about 3,400 golden Buddha statues placed in the wall.  Remember, this is still a religious site where people come to pray. Please be quiet and respectful hen visiting Ushiku Daibutsu.  Getting to Ushiku Daibutsu Ushiku Daibutsu is kind of off the beaten path. It does take planning and effort to get here, but it’s well worth the trip.  For visitors that don’t have the freedom of a car, the nearest train station to Ushiku Daibutsu is Ushiku Station. From the train station it is probably worth it just to take a taxi. There are direct trains from Ueno Station to Ushiku Station via the JR Joban Line. The journey takes about an hour.  If taking a car, there is a huge parking area with free parking.  Conclusion Visiting Japan’s tallest Buddha statue, Ushiku Daibutsu is a site to marvel at. The sheer size of Ushiku Daibutsu is difficult to comprehend, I’ve never seen anything quite as large. You can see Ushiku Daibutsu from a far distance. Up close it is truly a masterpiece. The gardens and surrounding park are impressive as well and offer amazing views. If you get a chance to explore the inside of Ushiku Daibutsu, there are panoramic views from the observation deck, giving visitors a different perspective of the height and greatness of this statue.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

Tōdai-ji or simply Todai ji is a Buddhist Temple located in Nara, Japan. Home to one of the world’s largest sitting bronze statues of Buddha and one of the world’s largest wooden buildings, Tōdai-ji is a must visit temple in Japan. When visiting Tōdai-ji, make sure to walk through the Namdaimon (Grand South Gate), go to the Tōdai-ji Museum, take photos at the Tōdai-ji Kagami-Ike Pond, and pay the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) a visit. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! History of Tōdai-ji The history of Tōdai-ji dates back to the year 728 although it was the year 752 when the temple was complete.  Due to an earthquake in 855, the Great Buddha within the temple was damaged, the statue actually lost its head but was restored shortly after.  Like many wooden structures in Japan, the temple was damaged or lost due to fires, lightning strikes, and even attacks. The current building at Tōdai-ji we all see today when visiting Nara was constructed in 1709. The current building complex is actually 30% smaller then what it used to be. Which is a surprise because Tōdai-ji is massive. Visiting Tōdai-ji Admission and Hours Admission Adult – ¥6006 – 12 Years Old – ¥300 The Great Buddha Hall and Tōdai-ji Museum Joint Pass Adult – ¥1,0006 – 12 Years Old – ¥400 Hours Great Buddha Hall(Daibutsu-den) April – October      November – March7:30 – 17:30              8:00 – 17:00 Tōdai-ji Museum April – October       November – March 9:30 – 17:30               9:30 – 17:00 Admission and hours are accurate according to the Todai-ji Website. Tōdai-ji Namdaimon (Grand South Gate) When visiting Tōdai-ji, the first thing you will notice is the Tōdai-ji Namdaimon or Grand South Gate.  Tōdai-ji Namdaimon is the main gate to access Namdaimon.  The Grand South Gate was constructed in the year 752 but was destroyed by a typhoon. The current gate visitors see today was built in 1203 and it reaches 25 meters in height and is the largest temple gate in Japan.  One of the most notable features of Tōdai-ji Namdaimon are the two guardians known as Ni-ō (Two Kings) of Tōdai-ji. These imposing statues are 8.4 meters in height. Tōdai-ji Museum It is well worth purchasing the combined Great Buddha Hall and Tōdai-ji Museum joint pass for ¥1,000.  The museum can be accessed prior to the Great Buddha Hall right after crossing the Tōdai-ji Namdaimon. Tickets for the museum and The Great Buddha Hall can be purchased either at the museum or at Tōdai-ji.  The museum is a modern complex with a cafe, restrooms, and rest area.  The museum itself is not large, I’d say you can get through it in 30 minutes or an hour depending on how much you read. The Tōdai-ji museum holds treasures and important artifacts from Tōdai-ji and many of these items are on display. You can see Gigaku Masks from the 8th century and several statues of Buddha from the 8th and 9th centuries.  Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) To me, the most impressive building in all of Nara is Daibutsuden, the Great Buddha Hall. You simply can’t fathom the size of this building until actually seeing it in person. It’s mind blowing!  This is the main hall of Tōdai-ji and it is home to the Great Buddha, Vairocana Buddha (Daibutsu).  For starters, the Great Buddha Hall was originally constructed in 752. The wooden building was destroyed a few times by fire. Today’s Great Buddha Hall is from the Edo Period and is considered to be the largest wooden structure in the world.  Just south of Nara City in Nara Prefecture is Horyu-ji, considered the oldest wooden structures in the world. So Nara is home to both the largest and oldest wooden structures.  When entering the Great Buddha Hall, you instantly see Vairocana Buddha, the Great Buddha.  The Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji is one of the world’s largest seated statues, 15 meters in height.  Conclusion Visiting Tōdai-ji in Nara needs to be added to everyone’s Japan itinerary. From the historical and impressive wooden building to the imposing Great Buddha statue there is so much to appreciate. Tōdai-ji remains my favorite temple in Japan and seeing it a second time was even more awe inspiring. Do yourself a favor and add Nara to your itinerary and do not miss Tōdai-ji.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.